Moving to Rochester, NY – EVERYTHING You Need To Know
How much do you really know about a city before you move there? For many, the most they know about a city is that they have family or friends there. Or maybe that they had some experience from a trip they took. The truth is, when you’re thinking of relocating to a city such as Rochester, New York, you need to scratch more than the surface to make sure it’s the best location for you.
Maybe you know the basics. You like the idea of moving to Rochester, New York because you’ve heard stories from others who live there. Or you liked it when you’ve visited for a time or two. However, if you’re going to live there, you need to know what it’s like. Will it really work for you?
How much is the average rent? House prices? How much will you pay on average for utilities? Does the city have public transportation and if so, how much does it cost?
Is Rochester, NY family-friendly, or will you have to travel outside of the city to enjoy your time off? What is the culture like in Rochester, New York? What is the school system rated compared to other school systems in New York?
What is the job market like? Will you be able to secure employment in an industry you have experience and/or interest in?
Don’t have the answers to these questions? Champion Moving & Storage has your back. We’ve helped hundreds of families relocate to Rochester and surrounding cities in New York. We’ve provided our customers with helpful information, answering some of the most challenging questions about relocating to Rochester.
We’ve put together a Rochester, New York moving guide filled with frequently asked questions from some of our customers. Take a look:
Chapter 2: Local Utilities
Chapter 3: Useful Phone Numbers
Chapter 4: Cost of Living
Chapter 5: What’s The Weather Like?
Chapter 6: How’s The Food?
Chapter 7: What Are The Locals Like?
Chapter 8: Getting Around – Transportation
Chapter 9: Colleges & Education
Chapter 10: Local Job Market
Chapter 11: Best Places to Live
Chapter 12: Family Fun
Chapter 13: Parks & Landmarks
Chapter 14: Nightlife
Chapter 15: Things to Do
Chapter 16: Additional Reading
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Things to Know
Before we get into frequently asked questions about moving to Rochester, New York, let’s first give you a few facts on the city of Rochester. Things we found interesting that we thought you might want to know about the city.
- Rochester was ranked #3 on Forbes’ 2013 list of best places to raise a family
- You can expect as much as 89.3 inches of snowfall per year
- You’ve got to try the garbage plate, Rochester’s signature dish
- A list from the US News & World Report places Rochester, New York as number 19 for the quality of life. This ranking is based on crime rates, availability and quality of healthcare, average commute time, well-being, and education.
Sounds like an interesting place to live huh? We’ve got a lot more things you’ll need to know before you move to Rochester, New York:
Things to Know About Rochester, NY
Local Utilities
Here are some of the most common questions and answers on local utilities in Rochester, NY:
- How do you set up your local utility account once you move to Rochester, NY?
Utilities in Rochester are run by several entities. For water, you’ll need to contact the city of Rochester (585) 428-7500. For gas & electric, you can contact Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation (585) 546-1100, or visit the link listed below.
- How much does the average person pay for utilities in Rochester, NY?
While the amount you pay will depend on the service provider you choose, numbeo.com states that the average cost of utilities for Rochester, NY is $128 per month. This includes gas, electric, and water.
Need more information on setting up utility accounts in Rochester, New York? Continue reading:
Local Utilities in Rochester, NY
Useful Phone Numbers & Websites in Rochester, NY
From changing your address to registering your children for school, there may come a time when you need the assistance of Rochester city services. Do you know which department to contact for help? We’ve supplied you with a few here:
- The City of Rochester – this website is going to be your starting point as a new resident. You can learn about everything from city services to jobs and education. Just visit cityofrochester.gov
- City Clerk – 585-428-7421
- Fire Department – 585-428-7037
- Police Department – 585-428-7033
- Rochester City School District – 585-262-8100
Don’t see the number or website you need? There’s a bunch more included here:
Useful Phone Numbers & Websites in Rochester, NY
Cost of Living
Now we’re getting to the meat of the matter – affordability. Here are some cost of living questions and answers for Rochester, New York:
- What is the cost of living in Rochester compared to the US?
Well, this might sound crazy seeing as how New York is a pretty pricey place to live. However, Rochester (89 points) is 31 points more affordable than the state of New York (120 according to areavibes.com) and 11 points more affordable than other cities in the US (100).
- What’s the average house price in Rochester, NY? Rent average?
The median house price in Rochester, New York is $128,000. The average monthly rent in Rochester is $809.
Need more specific costs to determine if you can afford to live in Rochester, NY? Look no further:
Cost of Living in Rochester, NY
How’s The Weather?
We probably alarmed you above when we discussed how much snow Rochester sees each year, but when it’s not snowing, the weather in Rochester, New York is average. Check it out:
- The temperatures range from 18 degrees (average winter low) to about 88 degrees (average summer high) throughout the year.
- The hottest month of the year is July with an average of 18 days with temperatures in the mid to high 80s.
Sure, Rochester, New York does get some of the worst snow in the state, but the locals have learned to live with it, and ultimately appreciate the spring, summer, and fall a lot more.
How’s The Weather in Rochester, NY?
How’s The Food?
How’s the grub in Rochester? A culinary diverse city, Rochester stands to become the most popular place to be in New York when you want something really tasty to eat. Fresh produce, great barbecue, and the spice of the Caribbean should certainly win your appetites over.
- Where can we get the best barbecue in Rochester, New York?
That’s going to be a tough one as Rochester is known for having some of the best barbecues, next to Texas that is. If we had to choose, we’d say try Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. A retro feel with great beer, BBQ, and live music, you can’t go wrong.
- Where can you get the best vegan food in Rochester, New York?
So, meat’s not your thing. We get it. Rochester has plenty of cuisine for vegan diners. A top-rated choice might be the Red Fern.
Choose from an assortment of restaurants, cafes, and diners and experience the taste of Rochester, New York:
How’s The Food in Rochester,
NY?
What Are The Locals Like?
What makes a city great? The people, that’s who. While you can’t very well learn every detail about the city’s population, knowing a few key basics can give you an idea of the type of city you’d be moving to. Here are some common questions about the locals of Rochester, New York:
- How many people live in Rochester, New York?
According to Data USA, there is a total of 210,745 people presently living in Rochester.
- What’s the average age in the city?
The average or median age in Rochester is 31.
- Is Rochester, New York ethnically diverse?
Rochester has a diverse group of residents. The population is primarily comprised of Caucasian (43%) and African American (41%) while other racial groups make up the remaining 16% of the population.
Interested in learning about some of the locals’ favorite foods, sports teams, and pastimes? Click on the following links:
What Are The Locals Like in Rochester, NY?
Transportation
Whichever Rochester, NY neighborhood you end up living in, you need to know that you can easily commute to work, school, and other places. Whether going by bus, car, or train, here are our customers’ top questions about transportation in Rochester:
- Do you need a car to get around Rochester?
While Rochester, NY does have a public transportation system for residents, many rely heavily on their cars to commute as the city is not pedestrian friendly.
- What is the public transportation system used in Rochester and how much is the fare?
Rochester’s Regional Transit Service is the public transportation system used within the city. Routes will take passengers from center city to other stops within the Rochester community. Riders needing to travel a mile or less will pay $1.50 one way while riders interested in traveling further will pay $4.00.
For more information about transportation options in Rochester, click on any of the links below:
Transportation in Rochester, NY
Colleges & Education
The city of Rochester has a total of 74 public schools including elementary, middle school, and high school. The city also has 89 private schools. Here are the most common college and education questions:
- How is the Rochester, New York school system ranked against others?
Rochester schools are some of the best in the country. In fact, US News dubbed many of Rochester’s high schools as some of the best public schools. Among these are East High School, School Without Walls, and Charlotte High School.
- What is the teacher/student ratio?
As it presently stands with a population of more than 80,000 students and 5,000 teachers, the ratio is 16 students per teacher.
- How many people graduate from high school in Rochester, NY?
Approximately 80% of the population has a high school diploma.
Follow any of the links below to read up more on education in Rochester, New York:
Colleges & Education in Rochester, NY
Local Job Market
What kind of jobs can you get in Rochester, New York? Thanks to the likes of employers like the Rochester General Health System, Wegmans, and the University of Rochester, there are plenty of employment opportunities out there for you.
- What is the average annual salary for Rochester?
Residents of Rochester, New York make an annual average of about $47,500
- What are the top industries in Rochester?
The top industries in Rochester, New York include Healthcare and Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, as well as Specialty Trade Contractors.
- What is the unemployment rate in Rochester, New York?
At present, unemployment rates in Rochester are about 6%.
To know more about the state of the job market and career prospects in Rochester, check out the resources below:
Local Job Market in Rochester, NY
Best Places to Live
Which Rochester, New York neighborhood do you intend to call home? Our customers have wondered the same thing. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about Rochester, NY neighborhoods:
- Which neighborhoods are the safest in Rochester?
There are several safe communities in Rochester. Some of them include Holley, Fairport, Brighton, and Brockport.
- What are some of the largest Rochester Neighborhoods?
Some of the larger communities in Rochester, NY include Charlotte, Upper Falls, and Beechwood.
- Which Rochester neighborhoods have the best schools?
Rochester neighborhoods with the best schools include Hilton, North Gates, Churchville, and Scottsville.
Want to know which neighborhoods have the best walkability score or public transportation? There’s more information to be reviewed here:
Best Places to Live in Rochester,
NY
Family Fun
Everyone wants to enjoy time with their family, and the great news is that Rochester, New York won’t disappoint. Here are some common questions about family fun from our customers:
- What kinds of outdoor activities do they have for families in Rochester, New York?
Outdoor activities for families in Rochester are limitless and available year-round. You can try visiting the Seneca Park Zoo, the local Renaissance Festival, or the Seabreeze Amusement Park.
- What types of family activities can we partake in to learn more about the history of Rochester?
From touring Susan B. Anthony’s home to visiting the Strong Museum and experiencing a colonial village at Genesee Village & Museum, there are several ways you and your kids can learn more about Rochester.
Check out the resources below to learn more:
Family Fun in Rochester,
NY
Parks and Landmarks
Rochester, NY is a beautiful place to live in and explore. Spanning less than 30 miles, the city has lakes, farms, waterfalls, a beach, and a river. The diverse landscape along with the profound history are what most Rochester locals appreciate the most. Instead of answering questions, we’ll give you some of the top choices to check out:
Top 3 Parks:
- Devil’s Cove Park
- Turning Point Park
- Cobb’s Hill Park
Top 3 landmarks:
- George Eastman Museum
- Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse
- The Broad Street Bridge
These are just a few of the most popular parks and landmarks in Rochester, New York. To learn about parks and landmarks in specific Rochester neighborhoods, review the links below:
Parks & Landmarks in Rochester, NY
Nightlife
You don’t have to travel very far to have a good time in Rochester. The city is filled with bars, pubs, lounges, clubs, and live entertainment for you to enjoy. Here are some of the most common questions about nightlife in Rochester, NY:
- Where can you go to hear good music?
There are several music bars in Rochester including Lovin’ Cup, Montage Music Hall, and The Dub Land Underground.
- Where can you go if you just want to dance?
Some of the more popular dance clubs in Rochester include ONE Nightclub and Ultra Lounge, Pearl, and Vertex Nightclub.
- Where are the best neighborhood bars?
There are several neighborhoods in Rochester. However, some of the most popular neighborhood bars include Murphy’s Law in East End, Tap & Mallet in South Wedge and The Frog Pond in Park Ave.
Want a more in-depth look at the nightlife scene in Rochester, New York? Read on:
Nightlife in Rochester, NY
Things to Do
If you’re going to relocate to Rochester, New York, you want to know that you’re going to be thoroughly entertained and satisfied living here. Outside of nightlife and things to do with the kids, what else is there to do in Rochester? Here are some things you can try:
- Go skating at Bill Gray’s Regional Iceplex.
- Bounce around at Altitude Trampoline Park.
- Drive a go-cart at Pole Position Raceway.
- Go on a safari tour at Hidden Valley Animal Adventure.
- Check out the summer festivals like the Lilac Festival held each year.
- Take a tour at the Rohrbach Brewery.
The list doesn’t stop there. Included below are some more links filled with activities, attractions, and other things you can do in Rochester, New York:
Things to Do in Rochester,
NY
Additional Reading
Rochester might be the third largest city in New York, but that doesn’t deter it from being a close-knit community. The larger than life city provides its residents with a small town feel as everyone feels safe and comfortable. Other notable points about Rochester include:
- It has a pretty decent job market.
- The cost of living is great compared to other cities in New York.
- The food is awesome.
- Education is a priority.
- The community shows great pride.
- It has great professional sports teams.
- There’s always something to do in Rochester.
Here’s some additional reading on Rochester, New York that should help you in determining whether you want to relocate there:
Additional Reading About Rochester, NY
Closing
You made it through until the end. We sincerely hope that we were able to answer some of your questions about relocating to Rochester, New York. Relocating is a huge decision, and we wanted to provide our customers with adequate information so that they can make an informed decision on whether or not Rochester is a place to call home.
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